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Recognizing and managing pain changes as you age Americans are living longer than ever, thanks to improvements in medicine and healthier lifestyles. But the general wear and tear associated with getting older can sometimes cause pain. Luckily, there are safe and effective ways to manage pain that can help older Americans stay active, according to the American Geriatric Society. The key to managing pain is understanding it and knowing when to ask for help from a health care professional. Everyday aches and pains are your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. The ability to feel or withstand pain is different in a 50-year-old than in a 30-year-old. But pain is much more common in older adults who are more likely to experience pain due to recurring conditions, such as arthritis, notes AGS. Everyday pain can be caused by a variety of things, including tooth and gum disease, muscle strains and sprains, tendonitis, bursitis, sore feet, and cold and flu symptoms. Pain is considered recurring if it occurs off and on over a long period of time. This type of pain is usually the result of long-term diseases or conditions, which are more common in older people. Two of the most common causes of recurring pain are arthritis and diabetes, according to the AGS. Certain changes in your lifestyle can limit how often or how severely you feel pain. Some healthy lifestyle choices that can help you manage pain include: • Exercising regularly to maintain strength, coordination, balance and flexibility • Eating a well-balanced diet, with plenty of fiber • Drinking lots of water • Getting enough sleep • Standing, sitting and walking with good posture • Maintaining healthy body weight • Keeping a positive attitude It is very important, especially as you age, to recognize and admit when you are feeling pain and to seek treatment. It is usually appropriate to treat pain yourself when you know the cause of it or it's mild to moderate in intensity and feels better after use of pain relievers. You should call your doctor if: • You believe the pain might be a sign of a heart attack, stroke, or other type of medical emergency. • The pain lasts for more than four days, even after you have rested and tried over-the-counter pain relievers and other self-treatments. • There are symptoms of an infection. These symptoms include redness, swelling, and warmth of the painful area. "If the pain is severe, call your physician immediately. Seeking help is important to your health and well-being. Communicating with your health care provider is the first step. You need to help them understand the nature of your pain so they can choose the best treatment. To help your physician identify the cause of your pain tell him/her: exactly where it hurts; if it is a sharp, dull, aching, burning pain; if it is constant or if it comes and goes; if it gets worse with certain activities; what makes the pain better; does it wake you up; if you have had similar pain in the past and how much it interrupts your daily activities. Over-the-counter medications are effective and appropriate to use for pain but should be taken with caution, especially since some interact with prescription medications. Pain management can be achieved by working together with your physician to achieve the results you expect to maintain a healthy lifestyle. |
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